Photon Ultrafast Laser Science and Engineering (PULSE)

PULSE (Photon Ultrafast Laser Science and Engineering) is based on the construction of the world's first x-ray free electron laser. The construction of this new x-ray source, called the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), is funded by the Department of Energy, and its operation is planned to begin toward the end of calendar 2008. LCLS will provide x-ray beams of unprecedented brightness, delivered in femtosecond pulses with full transverse coherence.

PULSE builds on, and leverages existing strengths in, atomic physics, chemistry, biology, and condensed matter physics. The center plans to focus on ultrafast structural and electronic dynamics in materials science, the generation of attosecond laser pulses, single molecule imaging, and the origin of efficient light harvesting and solar energy conversion in molecular systems during the first three years of operation.